Twist in the tale
Despite the opposition of president Carlos Mesa, Bolivia's Congress recently approved a controversial energy bill and Mesa decided not to veto it. He had earlier provoked the wrath of indigenous communities by refusing to sign the bill that imposed on foreign oil companies a 32 per cent tax on oil and gas production, in addition to the existing 18 per cent royalty. Mesa's move had surprised many because just a few days ago, the country had witnessed widespread protests and political turmoil centred around its energy policy and the bill's partial approval by the Congress was instrumental in pacifying the protests (see Down To Earth,